Troll Hunter (15)

Action (2010)
103mins Nor

Starring: Knut Naerum, Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Tomas Alf Larsen, Johanna Morck
Director: Andre Ovredal
Writer(s): Andre Ovredal, Havard S Johansen
Listings: London | Rest of UK and Ireland

Thomas, video camera man Kalle and sound operator Johanna are intrigued by the deaths of bears in mysterious circumstances and local hunters point the finger of suspicion at Hans. The students stalk their target and discover that Hans is an employee of the government, who risks his life to secretly deal with ferocious and gargantuan trolls.

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LondonNet Film Review
Troll Hunter

"Not ANOTHER Norwegian mockumentary about rampaging trolls?"...

André Ovredal's rollicking new title Troll Hunter scores top marks for originality. However, the film's bravery does not end here - as well as the madcap premise, a low budget, relatively unknown cast and strong undercurrent of social satire comprise just some of the reasons why this film is refreshingly daring.

When investigating a series of suspicious accidents of apparently natural causes, three university students become embroiled in the life of bona-fide 'Troll Hunter', Hans. Tired of his hazardous profession and its lack of perks, the grumbling exterminator agrees to feature in the students' documentary film in order to expose a government conspiracy maintaining the secrecy of Norway's destructive troll population. What ensues is the farcically humourous yet totally "authentic" (as we are repeatedly assured) footage of a series of deadly encounters with trolls.

Although conceptually implausible, Troll Hunter manages to render the question of the creatures' existence practically irrelevant. From the cast's convincing performance, to the humble treatment of the stunning Norwegian landscape, Troll Hunter has a distinctly down-to-earth quality to it. Expect all the familiar hallmarks of the documentary thriller, including infrared night-camera footage, unsteady camera work and fast paced editing. Yet unlike its generic predecessors, such as The Blair Witch Project, [Rec] and Cloverfield, Troll Hunter remains endearingly tongue-in-cheek. The film's unique brand of deadpan comedy overshadows its unconvincing special effects to leave you feeling both entertained and amused. Surprisingly engrossing.

- Amelia Abraham